Our Approach

Learn More About Our Approach to Your Hearing Health

For over 30 years, Treasure Valley Hearing & Balance Clinics have strived to provide the best hearing care possible to our community. We have always believed in the gold standard of hearing care and are very proud to be working with Dr. Keith Darrow and his approach to hearing loss treatment. Dr. Darrow is a world-renowned Neuroscientist and Clinical Audiologist and has spent many years researching and perfecting his proven approach. He is the only Neuroscientist practicing audiology in America. From his doctoral work at M.I.T. and Harvard Medical School to his clinical practice in Worcester, Massachusetts, Dr. Darrow has influenced the treatment of hearing loss and patient care for hundreds of thousands of patients across the country. From start to finish, he believes in a thorough process with a focus on the patient and their loved ones. His approach ties into everything we have always believed.

Our commitment to each patient begins before you even step foot in our hearing center. To provide education to our patients on our process and treatment options, we will send you an information packet, along with Dr. Darrow's 'Stop The Isolation' book, co-authored by Jacquie Elcox. In this book Dr. Darrow will answer all of the most popular questions he has received from his patients over the past 20 years. Everything from 'how are hearing loss and dementia connected?', and 'what are the different treatment options?', to 'how affordable are hearing loss treatment options?'.

2. Dr. Darrow-Approved Treasure Valley Hearing Assessment

Performed by Doctors of Audiology and Licensed Hearing Specialists, Dr. Darrow's Approved Treasure Valley Hearing Assessment is a comprehensive, diagnostic 4-step process intended to define the degree of hearing loss and examine the impact of hearing loss on understanding words and conversation in both quiet and background noise environments. The best hearing treatment begins with the best evaluation; and Excellence in Audiology™ certified clinics all over the country are using Dr. Darrow's proven evaluation skills to provide the best treatment in restoring clarity.

We hear with our brains, not just our ears. NeuroTechnology™, the new generation of hearing technology, is designed to treat the cognitive components of hearing loss. Unlike traditional hearing aids which are manufactured to simply make things louder, today's treatment options restore clarity of speech in all listening situations, including rooms with significant background noise. There are several NeuroTechnology™ options available depending on the results of your hearing assessment.

NeuroTechnology™ stimulates the auditory system dependent on several factors, including the extent of damage and the delay in treating hearing loss (e.g. how long have you been living with untreated hearing loss). Treatment can begin at the initial appointment and over the first few weeks and month, there is an adaptive process occurring as your brain becomes adapted to restored clarity.

In an ideal world, we would begin treatment for each patient the first day their hearing loss started. However, in the real world, statistics tell us that patients tend to wait an average of 7 to 10 years before starting hearing treatment. (Recent research shows that timeframe may be even longer).

Stimulation of the auditory system has a positive impact on the entire brain and needs to be delivered at a conservative pace to ensure a successful treatment. Dr. Darrow's method of adapting clarity and volume levels within the first few months has been shown to be the most effective treatment rate with the highest patient satisfaction.

Patients can also expect to visit the office 2-3 times over the first 30-60 days to "dial in" on exact sound stimulation levels. While science is the driving force behind NeuroTechnology™, patient experience and feedback help guide the treatment process.

Understanding the adaptive process of the brain is the basis for our comprehensive hearing loss treatment. As your hearing diminished over time, so did your brain's ability to orient, localize, and focus on the speech sounds you want to hear. Think of this stage of treatment as the "physical therapy" for your ears. Our comprehensive auditory and brain stimulation program will help you think faster, focus better, and remember more of what you hear. This part of the process really gets us excited because we know it is a game changer for you!

5. Scientific Verification of Improved Hearing Ability

It is critical that treatment is scientifically verified and validated. Studies show that most hearing centers do not perform any types of verification of your hearing clarity. We believe so much in verifying everything we do that we actually trademarked a process called an ARI™ (Acoustic Resonance Imaging). By placing little microphones into your ear canal and then placing your hearing devices in your ear, we can objectively assess the accuracy and stimulation levels of your NeuroTechnology™. Real Ear Measurements (ARI™ ) are considered the "gold standard" method for achieving proper clarity and stimulation and verifying your prescription.

6. Ongoing Relationship and Personalization of Hearing Needs

Your hearing needs will continue to change throughout your life and so we value our ongoing relationship with you. We know you count on us to make sure you are always hearing your best. We commit to working with each and every patient for many years to come. Our comprehensive treatment program includes service, cleanings, supplies, annual hearing assessments and ongoing support for years to come. When you work with our practice you have a partner in enhanced hearing and improved quality of life and we will always look forward to seeing you whenever you need our help.